Council aide arrested on suspicion of domestic violence

The deputy chief of staff for Los Angeles City Councilman Jose Huizar was arrested on suspicion of felony domestic violence, authorities said Monday.

Henry Casas, 40, Huizar's deputy chief of constituent outreach, was booked in lieu of $50,000 bail at the LAPD's Van Nuys jail on New Year's Eve, authorities said. He later posted bond and is scheduled to appear in court Jan. 23.

Police officials did not provide details of the incident, including the relationship of the alleged victim to the council aide, but confirmed that the arrest took place at his San Fernando Valley home.

In a written statement, Huizar said he had placed Casas on paid administrative leave until the police investigation is resolved.

“For now, it would be inappropriate for me to comment on a case that is currently under investigation and until the facts are heard,” Huizar said in the statement. “Let me reiterate that I do not and will not condone domestic violence.”

Casas supervises community affairs in Huizar’s Eastside district, which takes in such neighborhoods as Boyle Heights, El Sereno and Eagle Rock.

Two years ago, he received at least $18,000 while working as a consultant for Huizar’s reelection campaign, according to Ethics Commission documents.

Last week’s incident comes nine months after Len Nguyen, an aide to City Councilman Bill Rosendahl, was charged with vandalism and assault after entering a home in West Hollywood that was not his.

In that case, Nguyen’s lawyer said his client was very drunk and entered the wrong condominium unit. Rosendahl put Nguyen on probation on the condition that he get counseling for alcohol abuse.

A year earlier, a receptionist for Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa was charged with filing a false police report after he told authorities that he had been robbed near City Hall.

The city attorney’s office said at the time that an investigation had found that Nestor Lopez had been stabbed by a homeless woman after reaching into her sleeping bag in the Civic Center.

Lopez, who no longer works at City Hall, pleaded no contest to one count of making a false police report, said Frank Mateljan, spokesman for City Atty. Rocky Delgadillo.

--Andrew Blankstein and David Zahniser

Comments

[Jake]

We indeed have become Mexico City. Good job Antonio, your wish has come true.

[Chilango]

Don't we wish Jake. Mexico City has great food, really cool art scene, great museums, and working public transit. Why is this story even news anyway?? Gossip reporting.

[Imwithjake]

Ah yes, Mexico City, the North American capitol of kidnapping, pollution, street vendors, piracy, government corruption, homeless street children and shantytowns. Combine that with some good enchiladas and colorful paintings and you've just about got heaven on earth.

[ron]

I guess Mr. Huizar will be getting rid of Mr. Casas and the residents of CD 14 get more turn over in the Huizar Office. Honestly, it's like musical chairs in Huizar's Office. C'mon Jose. Learn how to pick staff instead of appearing at photo ops.

[H. Martinez]

I am very concerned about this. I certainly hope this type of behavior will not be tolerated in the 14th district.

[Gloria]

If bail for Henry was set at $50,000, there were some serious evidence of a true domestic violence situation. It is very sad that our leaders are engaging in this type of conduct.

[Roland Y.]

Why hasn't Casas resigned? Is he really going to drag this out and make a mockery of all domestic violence victims? I hope he has the sense to do the right thing and if he doesn't I hope Huizar shows helps him do the right thing.

[Sandra Martinez]

As a mujer from El Sereno, I am shocked that Mr. Casas is representing our community. Our communities have suffered with domestic violence for years. Mr. Casas can not represent our community. I expect our Councilmember to have a zero tolerance when it comes to any domestic violence. We deserve the best and brightest, not the weekeast and abusers like Casas. Shame on Jose Huizar!

[Elizabeth S.]

After knowing Mr. Casas for over 8 years this comes as no surprise. He is very rude and arrogant and has continously abused his wife for several years. It is embarrasing that he is a representative and a so called leader in many low income communities that suffer from this epidemic.He should have been fired immediately!

[A]

I have known Henry for many years and I know that he would not be involved in something like this, I also know his partner for many years and I believe that she has serious psychological issues and she has sworn to ruin his life in any way. For those who know Henry yes, he is arrogant and he was probably trying to defend himself while he was being hit or items thrown at him. Maybe someone should question his partner when she has abused his dog in retaliation. She is not so inoccent and Henry does not deserve to have his life ruined because of someone who has anger issues. I am writing this not because he is my friend, in fact I almost can't stand him, however I think that there is an injustice is this unfortunate family drama